“For me, a photograph is a memory and as the photographer, we are the curators of memories, both of our own, and that of our clients. In the digital world that we live in, having a tactile print, whether in an album, on a print or in the form of wall art will always be a more direct, more impactful and more emotive way of recalling those memories.” – Kevin Mullins

Never have truer words been spoken when it comes to your printed images!

Old wedding albums, framed family photographs and rusty tins full of loose prints – that is how we remember viewing photographs with our friends and family. Liam Shaw of York Place Studios wrote:

“Photographs take a new life when they’re printed; they pop in a way that just isn’t possible in any other media and there’s something much more magical about seeing something tangible in front of you, something that feels somehow more final and timeless.”

There is a science behind this theory as well. A study by Bangor University using fMRI brain scans to compare digital and paper have shown that physical material is more “real” to the brain. It has a meaning, and a place. It is better connected to memory because it involves more emotional processing.

Prints tell stories. Looking at photographs in their physical form allows you to slow down and enjoy the memories associated with them on their own and without the distractions of notifications and adverts popping up while you view them.

With so many digital storage options at your client’s fingertips, it is important to remember one thing – technology comes and goes. Would you have the same nostalgic feeling if all you had to view your parents wedding images on a floppy disk? Would you even be able to use it?

As technology evolves, chances are that the method of storing images, like USB storage keys, are going to go the way of the floppy disc within the next decade. When was the last time you saw a computer with a working floppy disk drive? Will home computers still have USB drives in ten years?

The advantages of offering prints to your customers splits into two distinct categories. What works for them and what works for you.

We recently spoke to photographer/trainer/blogger/marketeer/guru Nina Mace about why she feels incorporating print and wall art packages into your business is a win-win.

“It is so important to include prints even with your digital packages so your clients can see their images at their best, as they are meant to be based on your original vision. It also removes the risk of them printing on a low quality instant printer which can change white balance and exposure.

A set of prints in a display box or a large, framed image on the wall tells your clients’ unique story — it will remind them of the moments captured in that photo every day.”

A huge plus for the you, the photographer, is that clients will put the prints you supply straight onto their walls or on their coffee tables so they, and their friends and family can enjoy them. Referral is the greatest form of free marketing and having your work on your client’s walls means you are reaching a wider audience. Not only that but your client will be seeing your work on a daily basis making them much more likely to return to you themselves for future sessions.

Finally, impact! Handing client’s real prints gives additional value to your work – it makes photography as a service more tangible. Its lovely for the client but also for you as a photographer to see your images realised. Creating beautiful art and imagery was probably the reason you became a photographer in the first place and your stunning portrait work displayed in beautiful mats or frames show off your skill and professionalism better than any digital file could ever do.

“There is nothing better than seeing an image you have worked so hard to create printed to perfection and displayed on the wall. The print for me is the final piece of the story, in the long process of creating an image from conception to final output. How it is printed and on what surface is what makes the image come alive. The print is so important to me, it is how my images will be viewed for years to come.” – Lisa Visser

Recently voted ‘Best Professional Training’ at the prestigious Societies of Photographers trade awards, Nina continues to carve out a reputation of being one of the most in-demand (and busy!) trainers in the industry.

Before becoming a children’s photographer, Nina spent 15 years working in Marketing & Brand Management. It was during this time that she also found a love for leading working groups and training. Her Business & Marketing training focuses on driving awareness of your brand from websites to social media, basic SEO, customer targeting, and pricing.

It’s a fantastic opportunity to catch these workshops at the Residency as her Business Bootcamps are now almost completely sold out nationwide!

Her style is fun and relaxed and focuses on a mixture of theory and hands-on practical exercises. Her child photography workshops take place all throughout the UK from Bristol to Scotland. Whether you are a professional photographer who is just beginning your journey shooting outdoors, or you are wanting to grow your style to create more bold and creative portraits, then these sessions are for you.

Working as a group, you will delve into how to find beautiful natural light on location, and how to bring colour into your imagery to create children’s portraiture which your clients will love.

These practical, hands-on photography workshops aim to inspire you and her training is very much about helping YOU to find YOUR style.

Please click HERE to find out more about the classes Nina will be teaching at the Residency

A UNIQUE TWO DAY RETREAT FEATURING UNMISSABLE MASTERCLASSES

BY SOME OF THE BIGGEST NAMES IN THE PHOTOGRAPHIC INDUSTRY

APRIL 24TH – 25TH 2018

We were thrilled to sponsor the The MPA North East Region Awards Night this week! It was a fantastic awards night and a great opportunity to learn from the individual image critiques provided by judge, Ray Lowe FMPA. Our owner, Jill Roe, was also on hand to present the awards to the talented winners.

Huge congrats to overall Photographer of the year, David Armour!

A full list of all the winners and runners up can be found below along with their stunning images – well done to everyone involved!

We were incredibly thrilled to win the award for ‘Large Trader of the Year’ at this year’s Newborn Photography Show! It is a huge honour for us all here and we’d like to pass on a massive, heart-felt thank you to all of you that voted for us.
Winning the award has let us know that our customers appreciate the strides we are making in the industry, continually looking to improve upon the product range and service that you receive.
The Trade Show itself was also a huge success – It was brilliant to meet so many talented photographers over the 2 days and catch up with many familiar faces – thank you to everyone who visited us over the course of the event. We are looking forward to next year’s event already!

New Product – Fine Art Naturals

Our Fine Art Naturals range is a stunning combination of a beautiful Hahnemuehle German Etching print and one of our ‘Naturals’ frame options.

German Etching is a heavyweight Fine Art etching paper with a fine surface texture giving the paper a very luxurious feel. The print is dry mounted to a foamex board and then placed within one of the hand-finished Naturals range of frame moulding.

The wooden texture of the frames compliment the texture of the print perfectly. All of our Fine Art Naturals frames are made from premium quality materials and are available in 3 colour options: Grey, Charcoal and Whitewash.

You can also add an optional Giclee matte varnish to protect your image from dust and scratches. Hand applied, we coat the print 3 times to ensure an even cover whilst still retaining the stunning texture of the Fine Art print.

Coming Soon! – New Album Service

Our Album service from the award-winning Tony Sarlo is getting an exciting overhaul!

New software, cover options and wonderful new accessories to customise and tailor your albums will all be released in the coming weeks.

With Sarlo Albums based in Contursi, Italy, and ourselves based here in England, you have the best of both worlds .. Italian flair for design and album manufacture, whilst dealing with a UK contact.
From Digital Books, Completto Duo, Harmony, Traditional Matted, the choice and combination of options is infinite.

Sarlo Albums are a family business, and have been making high quality products for nearly 40 years, and are renowned for their bespoke albums, each one finished by hand, and individual to you.

Keep an eye on our blog and newsletters over the coming weeks for more information. We will also have the new album ranges at this years trade shows!

Digitalab on the Road

We are so excited to be exhibiting again at The Newborn Photography Show in May! We had such a great response at last year’s show and we have a whole host of new products launching at this year’s event!

We have been nominated for Large Trader of the Year 2017 and we would love your support in helping us to win it! We have made a huge push toward the Newborn market over this past year – listening to our photographer’s feedback in order to know what kind of products to bring to the market – we hope you are happy with the result!

We are also going to be exhibiting at the fantastic Photovision Roadshow in Edinburgh on the 25th of April.

These events provide Imaging Professionals with a host of exciting visitor attractions including FREE seminars for 2017 to help sharpen your skills and teach you new subjects. Other attractions include, Studio Area Live, Camera Cleaning, Equipment Area and Used Equipment Fair.

Adobe Lightroom for Photographers:
Lisa Beaney Seminar with The Societies

Join us on the 26th of April, 10am to 4pm! – click HERE for more info. LAST FEW TICKETS REMAINING!

Have you ever wondered how you can speed up your workflow and use Lightroom to its full potential ?

This full day Adobe Lightroom training will take you through everything you need to know to get the photos from your camera through to the finished version either printed or delivered digitally to your client.

Using Lightroom can significantly speed up your workflow meaning you have more time to do the things that you love doing!

We are thrilled to be hosting this fantastic seminar day here at Digitalab with the award winning Lisa Beaney, presented by The Societies. Tickets cost £80.00 for members of the Societies and £120.00 for non members. A lunch buffet is included with the cost of the ticket and you will also have the opportunity of a full Lab tour along with receiving free test prints and discount offers from both Digitalab and Adobe.

Featured Photographer – Gary Hill

A renowned portrait photographer in his own right (twice nominated for Portrait Photographer of the year with the SWPP), Gary works in a number of photographic fields offering wedding, portraiture, events, catalogues, brochures, books and websites, fashion and commercial packages through his own business.

Gary also runs the Just Pose workshops & training days with last months featured photographer Cass Davies. These workshops & training days are intensive courses for photographers looking to up their game in their chosen field, offering training in Newborn Posing, Lighting, Business, Boudoir & Maternity.

Whether you’re a busy studio photographer, keen landscape enthusiast or a lover of traditional dev and print, it’s an exciting time to be a photography fan. Thanks to an ever expanding and more powerful collection of photo editing software, the multitude of national trade shows, seminars, training courses and festivals celebrating the industry and the ‘arms race’ between the leading camera manufacturers it’s never been easier to hone your craft or share your creations with the world.

At Digitalab, we love any excuse to talk photography – and today, we’re giving you a peek inside our Photographers Kit Bag. From the innovative apps we can’t get enough of to our favourite photography festivals and Events, we’re giving photography enthusiasts everything they need to make next year’s portfolio their best one yet.

If you would like to learn more about what we are doing throughout the year; events, new product launches, seminars and more then simply subscribe to our newsletter below

Photo London

The third edition of Photo London commences May 18th and there’s a lot on offer at this international photography event. Bringing together leading photographers, exhibitors, curators and dealers, you’re invited to be a part of this world-class photography fair.

Fujiholics (www.fujiholics.com)are a family of Fujifilm addicts from around the world owned by Matt Hart and Paul Sanders who are Fujifilm UK Ambassadors. Fujiholics aim to provide Free and Paid workshops and events around the world. They organise at least four Free Photowalks a year in the UK. They also provide training with Professional photographers in all genres of photography on location around the world and with some of the best Photography dealers in the industry. Check out their event guide HERE

The SWPP Digital Imaging Roadshows

The SWPP Convention held earlier in January was a huge success again and continues to go from stregnth to stregnth. If you missed out do not worry! The Societies hold a series of fantastic Roadshows across the UK. The Digital Imaging Roadshows always draw the top exhibitors and guest speakers in the country and are always worth a day out. You can also pre-book for 2018’s Convention which is sure to be even better than this years!

The Photography Show returns to the NEC for the fourth year in 2017. A much anticipated event in the image-making community’s calendar, it will take place between 18-21 March, offering visitors the chance to try the latest technology from leading photography brands and access a variety of seminars, demos and conferences, designed to suit all levels of photographer.

PhotoHubs are exciting regional events aimed at all passionate photographers looking for high quality, affordable training, and unique networking opportunities. The definition of a ‘hub’ is “the effective centre of activity, region, or network”. ‘PhotoHubs’ market themselves as that centre for all photographers! On offer at all of the PhotoHubs Events is high-quality training, seminars, workshops and intensive themed dedicated ‘Boot Camps’ at some of the two-day events that are all designed to accelerate learning. Great trade suppliers are also present at some of our events offering one2one opportunities to speak to you and exhibit their products.

We are currently exhibiting at 10 shows around the UK this year! With new shows being added all the time, it’s always a good idea to keep up to date with where we will be on our “Events” page. The trade shows are a fantastic opportunity to meet our client base and introduce ourselves to new faces as well as display some of our fantastic product range.

We are thrilled at the relaunch of the fantastic Side Gallery here in Newcastle. The Amber collective (www.amber-online.com) opened Side Gallery in 1977, because there wasn’t a venue in Newcastle, at the time, which would show the documentary work it was producing. In 1978 the great photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson celebrated his 70th birthday with a retrospective at Side. The catalogue of photographers who have shown here since is remarkable. The recent redevelopment work will hopefully enable them to build on this over the next 10, 20, 40 years.

The non-profit Open Eye Gallery was founded in 1977 and celebrates innovative and independent photographers – with a colourful catalogue of exhibitions to fill your calendar. Based in Liverpool, this gallery has championed the artform for almost 40 years – and you could see your works on display in this legendary exhibition space.

At London’s largest public photographic gallery, the exhibitions range from historical images to daring new projects. The Photographers’ Gallery is a place where artists can discover up-and-coming talent and participate in everything from specialist workshops to social happenings.

Located in the heart of the German capital, C / O Berlin is a non-profit photographic gallery home to a calendar full of changing exhibitions, seminars and workshops – well worth a visit for any photography lovers and professional artists looking to explore the international scene.

The Photographic Angle is responsible for a collection of free exhibitions, touring the UK and transforming public spaces into transient art galleries. Submit three of your favourite images for a chance to exhibit alongside a diverse suite of photographic specialists.

Opened in 1992, the Michael Hoppen Gallery is a monument to the medium and home to a combination of photographic masters and breakthrough artists. Nestled in the heart of Chelsea, London, this diverse gallery celebrates the past, present and future of photography.

This residential photography workshop nurtures budding artists, helping them to develop their skills and brush up on their business acumen. Photography Farm is the brainchild of alternative wedding photographer Lisa Devlin, who makes it her mission to impart the valuable insight she’s gained throughout her career in the industry.

Described by Time Out magazine as “the best photography course in London”, Nigel Wilson’s workshops are packed with technical expertise – giving you both the aptitude and confidence to realise your full potential as a photographer, with dates available throughout 2016.

Commercial awareness is key to a successful career as a photographer, and Aspire Photography Training gives you the tools to take the market by storm – with courses on everything from photographic themes to business development.

From stock photography to portraiture and photojournalism, the London School of Photography has a menu of masterclasses to suit all tastes. Inspiration and motivation are at the heart of every LSP course – helping photographers of all skill levels to reach their individual goals.

Fujifilm’s X-T1 was so close to perfection, and now the X-T2 has taken everything that made its predecessor so great and improved on it. You still get a pleasingly old-school design which is both weather-sealed and reassuringly robust, but the quality of the video capture has taken a huge leap forwards – this is now a superbly capable all-rounder for taking on both stills and video work.

Equipped with a 24.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS III image sensor and the X-Processor Pro Engine, users will be able to capture finely detailed imagery quickly and with low noise at sensitivities up to ISO 51200. The powerful combination permits rapid image capture at up to 8 fps with full AF tracking or at up to 14 fps using the silent electronic shutter. In terms of AF, the X-T2 uses an Intelligent Hybrid system with 325 points that ensure accurate, fast tracking of subjects in all modes. Steve Huff wrote a fantastic blog on the X-T2 which can be found HERE

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

It’s not like the 5D Mark III was a bad camera – it was one of the best high-end DSLRs money could buy. But as you’d hope, Canon has revisited its legendary DSLR and pushed it to ever-greater heights. You now get impressively crisp 4K video recording as part of the package, and autofocus – traditionally a weak point – is now good enough that you can rely on it in most situations. This is a huge step forward for shooting video, but the quality of the photographs you get from the 5D Mark IV is better than ever.

The upgraded 61-point autofocus sensor is a welcome addition; the full-frame sensor now has 30.4 megapixels to play with; and continuous shooting now hits 7fps, up from the 6fps on the previous model. Apart from a few nit-picks, this is a DSLR to be reckoned with. Whether you’re a deep-pocketed amateur or a professional that’s looking for an upgrade on an older model, this is one purchase you’re unlikely to regret. A great review by Tech Radar can be found HERE

GFX 50S

Characterised by its large sensor, advanced imaging capabilities, and modular design, the GFX 50S from Fujifilm is a unique medium format mirrorless camera that is highly versatile and distinctly portable. At the heart of the GFX camera system is the 43.8 x 32.9mm 51.4MP CMOS sensor, which pairs with the X-Processor Pro image processor to produce files with extremely wide dynamic range and high resolution, as well as an extended sensitivity range of ISO 50-102400 for working in difficult lighting conditions.

The sensor’s large form factor also achieves a unique three-dimensional look with especially smooth tonal and colour transitions. Beyond this, the sensor and processor combination also avails the ability to work in a variety of aspect ratios common to traditional large and medium format film cameras, as well as the ability to shoot at up to 3 fps or record Full HD 1080p/30 video. As forward-thinking as the GFX 50S is, its use of film-camera inspired design imbues it with intuitive operation and the ability to apply the camera system to myriad styles and methods of image-making. A full review can be found over at Amature Photographer HERE

Sony Alpha A6000

This is a serious CSC, from its aluminium shell to its wide range of controls, including nice and chunky mode and command dials, so you can quickly set up the camera as needed.

The sensor now has a big 24 megapixels, and is the same size as the sensors found on most consumer DSLRs, so there’s no lack of detail. Sony’s cameras continue to impress us for their low noise, with ISO 1600 being practically noise free and even ISO 6400 being usable.

It’s fast too, bursting at up 11fps and the phase detect autofocus system covers practically the whole frame and is blisteringly quick and accurate. It’s also amongst the best video cameras you can buy at this price. A comprehensive review can be found on the excellent ‘Expert Reviews’ HERE

Nikon D5

The Nikon D5 is the company’s flagship action-oriented DSLR, sporting a 20.8MP full-frame sensor, 153-point autofocus system and a full-size, double-grip chassis that is both tough as nails and exceedingly comfortable to use. Though the core build of this camera remains very similar to the D4S, the sensor and autofocus system are entirely new and – as we’d expect – designed with speed and reliability in mind. For a full review, head over to Digital Photography Review HERE

Fujicolor PRO 400H Professional

Professional-quality, medium-speed, daylight-type, extremely fine-grain colour negative film that is suited especially to portrait photography. It provides wide exposure latitude from under- to overexposure’s, superb skin tones with smoothly continuous gradation from the highlights to the shadows, highly faithful colour reproduction and an exciting three-dimensional appearance to the image and single-channel suitability for uniform printing efficiency. The new generation emulsion design allows for optimum scanning quality. You can neither buy this from ourselves in the Lab or from Fuji HERE

PhotoJoJo

Amateurs and professionals alike will fall head over heels in love with PhotoJoJo – the online store fit to burst with gorgeous photographic gifts. From lens wraps to smart projectors, this irresistible site is an online treasure trove of treats photographers can’t resist adding to their baskets.

Really Right Stuff

Delivering state-of-the-art camera support systems to its customers, Really Right Stuff is your one-stop shop for professional tripods – with a range of robust, flexible and high quality products on offer, and options to suit all skill levels.

BlackRapid

The humble shoulder strap is rarely in the spotlight – but BlackRapid considers camera accessories a priority. Ergonomic design and customisable storage make these shoulder straps the most versatile options on the market – giving you the chance to find your camera’s perfect match.

SHUTTERbag

SHUTTERbag is the female photographer’s first choice for beautiful, functional and durable leather camera bags – offering artists a way to transport their equipment in safety and style. Find your favourite shade and head straight to the checkout.

Think Tank Photo

Transporting gear with care is a key concern for any professional photographer – and at Think Tank Photo, finding your ideal travel companion is easy. Think Tank’s rolling cases are premium quality and designed for photographic equipment to give you total peace of mind wherever you go.

PocketWizard PlusX

PocketWizard’s class-leading wireless triggering systems give you the power to free your flash from your camera – and the PocketWizard PlusX radio is compatible with all of the brand’s transmitters and receivers. Simply attach one to your camera and another to your remote flash, then get shooting.

Exposure X2

For over a decade, Exposure has been the go-to creative photo editor for digital photographers seeking a smarter, faster way to work. Exposure X2 continues this tradition, and is the follow-up to the award-winning Exposure X.

You won’t find unnecessary complications like catalogues, imports, or separate user modules. Instead, Exposure streamlines your workflow. You’ll become more efficient at organising your photos and transforming them into beautiful works of art.

Exposure is also flexible enough to adapt to different workflows. Use it as your complete solution for non-destructive RAW editing, or as a creative editing plug-in with Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop.

Adobe Lightroom

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom is available as part of the Creative Cloud Photography plan and allows you to bring your images to life – intensifying colours, emphasising your focal point and recreating the beauty of the real thing. Organise, edit and share your photos with ease thanks to the desktop and mobile apps.

theimagefile

theimagefile is the UK’s award-winning image management web solution. Designed by photographers specifically for photographers to display, proof and sell images online.

Quite simply they offer you a cost effective, cash generating solution for your business. The solution goes way beyond just getting your images elegantly online for sale or distribution. theimagefile is the complete web strategy for the professional image-maker with a wealth of advanced functionality and services, constantly updated, to help you save time and help your business grow. Keep an eye out for Digitalab joining the list of suppliers in 2017!

Canva

Intuitive and impossibly user-friendly, Canva offers a perfectly practical solution to your image editing needs. With the facilities to create powerful layouts, add a range of graphic assets and typography, and save images in high quality PDF format – all at lightning speed – this free online software is the answer to any photographer’s post-production prayers.

Paint the Moon

Offering Photoshop actions for photographers, Paint the Moon takes the hassle out of image editing – helping artists realise their vision quickly and cohesively. Intuitive for beginners and robust for seasoned photographers, these resources are as flexible as they are powerful.

Palette Gear

The future of photo editing is here and its name is Palette. This game-changing technology allows photographers to connect modules, creating a bespoke editing tool that can be integrated with Photoshop, Lightroom and a number of leading applications – putting you in complete control.

SpyderCHECKR 24

From camera calibration to colour correction, SpyderCHECKR 24 exists to help photographers achieve the utmost accuracy when it comes to the colouring their images. Giving you a way to capture the authentic shades in every scene, this portable, lightweight tool is the ultimate photographic colour palette.

Magisto

With the help of Magisto, you can transform your images into powerful, polished movies ideal for sharing with the world. Created to connect your experiences with the people you care about, this app is free to use and it takes just 3 steps to find a sophisticated finished product.

StickyAlbums

StickyAlbums is the professional photographer’s best kept secret, revolutionising the way artists retain clients and win new business. With the ability to create a completely bespoke, branded mobile app, photographers can see their professional branding front and centre and share their app with clients to let them access the shots themselves.

Over

Editorial photographers will fall in love with Over – the app that incorporates beautiful typography into your images to create stunning and stylish outcomes. Intuitive and impactful, Over harnesses the combined power of text and image with incredible results every time.

LightTrac

Lighting conditions are crucial to the success of outdoor photo shoots, whatever your subject – and LightTrac gives you all the information you’ll need to organise your shooting schedule and find the optimal time, location and conditions anywhere in the world.

Cycloramic

Nothing gives a sense of scale like sweeping panoramic shots – and Cycloramic is the iPhone app that puts the tools to create, edit and share stunning panoramas at your fingertips. This ground-breaking software transforms your phone into a hands-free panoramic camera. Visit the App Store to experience the magic for yourself.

ProCamera

Offering “the fastest, highest quality and most advanced three-shot HDR capture on iOS”, ProCamera introduces the control of a DSLR to the mobile photography experience – with a huge range of image editing options to help you make the most out of every single shot.

HIPSTAMATIC

Swipe through a digital treasure trove of lenses, films and flashes with HIPSTAMATIC Camera, Apple’s original App of the Year. This user-friendly app helps aspiring photographers enhance their mobile images – with easy, instantaneous transfer options across iCloud, Dropbox and a number of other platforms.

Triggertrap

Triggertrap Mobile enables photographers to use their smartphone as a remote trigger – creating a world of possibilities when it comes to long exposure shots, time lapse movies and high speed photography. Download the app for free and invest in the Triggertrap Mobile Kit to get started.

If you would like your company or product to be featured in our 2017 kit bag then Email us at alex@digitalab.co.uk to get involved!

When it comes to photography, there’s more to the process than creating the ideal composition. Whether you’re a professional photographer looking for high quality printing solutions for your images or an amateur who wants to learn more about the industry, it’s important to understand that different printing options are suited to different images.

While hours of planning and preparation can go into capturing the perfect picture, your labour will be ultimately fruitless unless you choose a printing solution that does your image justice. Both canvas prints and acrylic prints offer a gorgeous way to display your photographs, but they differ greatly when it comes to their unique benefits.

If you need some help demystifying these professional printing solutions, we’re breaking down the features of acrylic and canvas prints to help you decide which one’s right for your shots.

The Process

Canvas prints are made by printing an image directly onto a canvas, which is then stretched or wrapped around a frame – either wrapping the image around the stretchers or using a white or coloured border. Canvas gallery wraps can be made to bespoke sizes – meaning that, large or small, the end result will be a truly individual print. Canvas prints can be protected by a UV laminate before they’re wrapped around the wooden frame. Acrylic photo printing involves printing onto photographic paper and sandwiching between two sheets of 5mm acrylic. The back sheet of acrylic can be black, white or transparent, depending on which best suits the style of the image. Aluminium standoffs are used to attach the acrylic frame to the wall, giving it visual depth.

Appearance

In terms of displaying your final product, it’s essential to think about the aesthetic you’re aiming for. To achieve a sleek and contemporary look, acrylic printing provides vibrant and sharp images. While it’s still not as widely used as canvas printing, acrylic photo printing continues to grow in popularity – and is particularly important for professionals who place a great deal of value in presentation. Canvas printing, however, produces a textured finish to give your print a more old-school and authentic look. Canvases are the more popular choice in interior design and home decor, offering an easy and affordable way to display prints. Acrylics, on the other hand, are often used in a more commercial environment – particularly in office spaces and reception areas.

Colour Vibrancy

Where vibrancy is concerned, acrylic prints have an edge on canvas printing – with the face mount option taking full advantage of the reflective quality of acrylic. Because no light passes through an acrylic print, deep, rich colours are able to maintain their vibrancy. In canvas printing, on the other hand, more colour needs to be added to guarantee the best ink coverage, which means that detailing can be lost.

Durability

If you’re looking for the most durable option, both canvas and acrylic prints boast their own protective benefits – but acrylic photo printing is the best option where longevity is concerned. This form of printing is shatter resistant, lighter than glass and provides UV protection to prevent your image being damaged by sunlight – with some acrylic prints even being resistant to scratching.

For the canvas wraps, the laminate leaves your canvas splash-proof and easy to wipe down as well as offering UV protection. If the canvas wrap is varnished and not laminated, as is often the case with cheaper alternatives, the canvas is at risk of ink cracks – but the laminate finish means this won’t be an issue.

Price

Cost is a key factor when it comes to choosing the best photo printing option for your images. For working photographers, it’s undoubtedly worth spending extra on acrylic prints, which provide a more durable and vibrant outcome on the whole.

Canvas printing continues to grow in popularity, with canvas wraps offering the chance to create a bespoke piece of artwork at a competitive price. There’s no doubt, though, that acrylic photo printing is hot on the heels of this old favourite, making it a worthy photo printing option for amateurs and professionals alike.

Whether you’re interested in canvas prints or acrylic prints, Digitalab can help you find the best photo printing option for your images. We’re printing specialists, committed to giving our customers the best possible results every time – order online now to get yours.

Whether you’re a fledgling photographer or professional with years of experience, there’s no denying the benefits of experimenting with different mediums. Technological advances mean that digital SLRs are achieving greater functionality with each new model, but the debate rages on as to whether the hi-tech digital cameras of today can ever compete with the authentic retro feel of traditional film.

Vintage Vibes

Film photography is considered by many to be a dying art, a primitive practice reaching the realms of obsoletism – but defenders of old-school photographic techniques argue that the ritual of traditional photography is art in its purest form. While the nostalgia of darkrooms and chemical prints undoubtedly plays a part here, many professional photographers argue, with some success, that the traditional way quite simply makes for a better picture.

Light

Film thrives in natural light and is infinitely more forgiving when it comes to overexposure – meaning you won’t find the blown out highlights you get with digital.

Colour

Film doesn’t work in the linear way that digital does, which makes it far preferable to digital photography when it comes to natural colour and light blends.

Grain

The photographic ‘perfection’ of digital is also its downfall. Film gives you that hazy, grainy quality that, for whatever beautiful and mysterious reason, makes for a gentler, more aesthetically pleasing shot.

“Cartier Bresson talked about the “decisive moment” to create great pictures. Photographers on digital no longer look for the decisive moment. While one image at this time would capture everything, now there may be dozens to look through and decide, with photographers deciding later on what the decisive moment actually is.”

“It has been some years since I ‘switched to digital’ (Oh, how I hate that phrase!). Except I never thought of it that way. In my mind, I have never stopped being a film photographer. It’s just that the last several thousand pictures I have made have been digital ones. It has taken me a long time to figure out how to get the best from it, but I think I may be getting there. Maybe once I have, I will return to shooting film.

Film is a strongly flavoured medium. Sure you can tweak it, but has an embedded character of its own, its tonal relationships, grain, colour, shadow and highlight shades and tints. Especially transparency, but even negative as well. By comparison a digital raw file still awaits preparation, and a spell in the post production ‘oven’. OK, in some cases this means very little work at all, but to me this is the defining difference. A high quality digital file has amazing potential, and using the myriad tools of post-production as it is now one can emulate a film very closely, in almost every aspect, or simply create a completely new look. Because of that, it is important to have a background philosophy of photography. I really love that aspect of digital, the flexibility of it, and the emphasis to look within and ask yourself, ‘What am I trying to say; what is this image about?’“The downside of digital is that it appears so easy, but in reality it is anything but easy to create a memorable and meaningful result. I would say that is easier on film. Film already has an identity built in. When you select a film on which to shoot, you are ‘buying in’ to that identity and you can use it to great effect to define the style and quality of your work. It’s also very format specific. The technical camera large format tranny film ‘look’, and 35mm rangefinder neg film ‘look’, say, are simply worlds apart. Those distinctions are far more blurred with digital, due to the extraordinary resolution discrepancies of different sensors.

The world of photography would be a far poorer one with the demise of film, and it is to be hoped that demand for it remains strong enough to keep going. It’s still the best way to learn a photographic method, especially with regard to understanding exposure and lighting (as it is so unforgiving). And for anyone interested in high quality image making with a technical emphasis, large format film in a view camera keeps such a practice affordable.

Digital photography has made photography more accessible and, in the way it works, it is arguably more akin to human vision and more flexible, so expanding the range of possibilities enormously. But it is not a quick fix, nor does it make you an instant expert, and this remains a big problem in the world of photography, for it has so severely undermined professional photographic practice. The medium itself is innocent of this damage though, it is simply a fascinating and exciting revolution in methodology, and still improving year on year.

Overall, the flexibility of digital imaging and the incredible capabilities of the latest cameras makes digital a slightly better bet for me personally as a working professional. I do think that I am more experimental, creative, and productive with it. But for the fine art photographer, I can still see the unique character and look of film may give it the edge. Long may there be a choice.”

Digital Love

What digital photography may lack in anticipation and traditionalism, it undeniably compensates for in efficiency. Beginner photographers looking for instant results and a quick turnaround will find a friend in the digital approach – with no need to be at the mercy of the production and printing processes. The ability to see the outcome of every shot instantly is an unquestionable convenience, and the storage capability of memory cards versus a roll of 35mm film with 16 shots is a total knockout.

The ‘what you see is what you get’ perspective certainly works in digital’s favour, with both the photographic process and printing procedures offering an instantaneous result.

Quickness

With digital cameras, you will see how your photograph will look on the camera’s display, allowing you to flick through all of the shots you’ve taken at the touch of a button, you can even take images from digital file to physical print in a matter of minutes.

Adaptability

Digital gives you the freedom to spontaneously switch between colour and black and white, as well as the ability to make technical adjustments to adapt to your surroundings – such as altering the ISO when the light changes – so you can achieve that flawless shot.

Post-Production

If you don’t have easy access to a traditional darkroom, you may prefer the ease and wide functionality of digital post-production. The enormous range of editing tools and software available makes altering and enhancing your digital images easy and instantaneous.

Car Photographer Professional of Ambient Life. Tim Wallace, Clients include Morgan, Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover. Specialising in high end prestige commercial car photography and also the supply of car stock snydicated photography for commercail and marketing use.

“The debate of film versus digital photography is one that has been prevalent ever since the development of the first digital camera.Large-format film still has a place for serious landscape photographers, but few people have the time, skill level, or budget to work film out to this level, with many photographers now showing a preference for digital SLR cameras. Here are Digital Photographer’s top reasons for going digital:

Processing costs are much lower

With a digital photo, you can use your computer and photo-editing software to retouch and enhance your pictures. Once the initial cost of buying the software is out of the way, the only other expenditure comes if you want to print your images. With analogue, the film itself can be expensive and hard to source and there are added costs needed to process it after the shoot.

You have more creative control

Using an image-editing program, you can apply special effects, lens-correction, perspectives and colour tones much more easily than if you were to edit your images manually in a darkroom. More importantly, if you don’t like the outcome, you can simply revert back to the original and start again. The possibilities are quite literally endless!

Get instant feedback over images

While many film photographers used Polaroid cameras for instant feedback on their shoot before committing to a full roll of film, with digital photography the LCD screen on the back of the camera can be used for instant feedback on images.

Easily share shots

The rise of social media and apps, such as Instagram, help to illustrate the popularity of photo sharing in the digital age. Electronic distribution of images are quicker than regular mail or overnight delivery services, but it’s also more convenient.

More accessible

There are many people who previously would have thought themselves too unskilled to take up photography as a hobby. In the age of the digital revolution, with affordable DSLRs, online tutorials and magazines to encourage the development of skills, the field for talent and creativity has been well and truly opened.”

Whether you’re an amateur photographer honing your craft or a seasoned professional embarking on a new commercial project, a first-class photo printing service is the key to doing your images justice. But life often gets in the way of taking the time to find the best option available, especially when quicker, more convenient alternatives exist. For this reason, many photographers instead choose to order prints online – but can you ensure the same level of quality while simultaneously streamlining the order process?

You’d be forgiven for thinking that online photo printing means a decline in quality, and that impressive outcomes are traded for quick results – but you’d be wrong. Today, we’re taking a look at some of the key benefits that come with choosing to print photos online – giving you all the know-how you need to guarantee your images the royal treatment.

1. Convenience

Ordering your prints in-store means you’re at the mercy of traditional opening hours – and if you’re unavailable during this time window, it can be a difficult and lengthy process getting your images printed professionally. When you order photo prints online, however, you’ll enjoy the luxury of a 24/7 service. Online stores never close, meaning you’re free to submit your order anytime, anywhere – whether it’s from the comfort of your own home or on the go.

2. Choice

No two images are the same, and online photo printing gives you an opportunity to customise every print to suit your pictures. Whether your latest shots will be best displayed on contemporary acrylic blocks or deserve the large format treatment, the diversity you’ll find when you order prints online means each image can be presented through the most appropriate medium available.

If you’re looking for some elegant, rustic prints, our brand new birch blocks could be the all-natural solution you need. Precision cut by some of the North East’s most accomplished craftsmen, these impeccable blocks boast a treated wood finish that emanates quality and class.

To give your photo prints a truly contemporary finish, how about something completely different? You’re guaranteed to fall in love with our ultra-minimalist block mounts, combining a practical and resilient printing solution with a stylish and understated look.

3. Flexibility

If you’re looking for more than a ‘one size fits all’ approach to photo printing, online is the way to go. With the ability to tailor every order to your exact specifications, from the materials used to the exact dimensions of the final outcome, you can guarantee a result you’re happy with when you print pictures online. Thanks to flexible and user-friendly online order systems, customers decide how their photos are printed – and if that means larger-than-life prints for a statement feature wall or upcoming show, that can be arranged.

Find out more about large photo prints, if you’re looking for something big and beautiful.

4. Speed

In the world of professional photography, timely prints can be a godsend – and ordering photo prints online takes the stress out of getting yours on schedule. With an order process that takes a matter of minutes on any device, and swift delivery available throughout the UK, taking your pursuit of high quality prints online is sure to speed things up. If you’ve taken a spectacular new shot ahead of an imminent exhibition or just can’t wait to see your favourite image immortalised in radiant colour, order prints online and they’ll be with you in no time.

5. Delivery

Enthusiastic amateurs and trained professionals alike can find online photo printing UK-wide, meaning you’re not limited to labs in your area. If you can’t manage to collect your prints, that’s not a problem. Speedy, uncomplicated delivery is always available, so that we can put our customers’ convenience first. Once you’ve placed your order, all that’s left to do is wait for us to deliver your gorgeous new prints.

At Digitalab, we strive to provide the best online photo printing service anywhere in the UK – giving photographers the freedom to have every image printed their way, and the luxury of quick and easy online ordering.

Whether you’ve got a case of digital love or you’re still infatuated with traditional film, it’s an exciting time to be a photography fan. Thanks to the developers spearheading the photo editing software movement and the number of festivals launched to celebrate photographic excellence, it’s never been easier to hone your craft or share your creations with the world.

At Digitalab, we love any excuse to talk photography – and today, we’re giving you a peek inside our kit bag. From the innovative apps we can’t get enough of to our favourite photography festivals, we’re giving amateurs and professionals alike everything they need to make next year’s portfolio their best one yet.

London Photo Festival

If you’re an emerging photographer looking for an opportunity to exhibit your work, look no further than the London Photo Festival. Book your space at 2016’s Earth, Water, Air and Fire festival to take the next step to professional prominence.

Photo London

The second edition of Photo London commences in May 2016 and there’s a lot on offer at this international photography event. Bringing together leading photographers, exhibitors, curators and dealers, you’re invited to be a part of this world-class photography fair.

Miniclick

The Miniclick Photo Talks pay tribute to still and moving images of all kinds, with a wide variety of participatory events, provocative discussions and vibrant parties for you to get involved in – no matter which photographic styles speak to you.

SWPP 2016

The Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers holds Europe’s largest all-welcome photographic convention every year, and SWPP 2016 opens its doors on the 20th January – offering no less than five days of action-packed programmes, presentations and networking opportunities for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Oxfordshire Artweeks

Every May, Oxfordshire-based artists have the chance to exhibit their latest and greatest works alongside other talented creatives across the county thanks to Artweeks. Photographers can visit a number of unique exhibition spaces throughout Oxfordshire, and locals can register to be a part of it themselves.

Les Recontres d’Arles

From July to September next year, the latest instalment of Les Recontres d’Arles will take the photographic world by storm. This annual summertime photography festival sees thousands upon thousands of visitors come together for a glimpse of never-before-seen images and a chance to participate in tours, discussions and signings galore.

World Photography Organisation

The World Photography Organisation (WPO) is the home of the Sony World Photography Awards, giving aspirational artists an opportunity to make their mark and receive global recognition for their contribution to the artform. Enter now to be a part of it.

The Kennel Club

If you love capturing canines on camera, the Kennel Club’s Dog Photographer of the Year competition is your chance to turn your passion for pets into industry exposure – and hopefuls can enter any time before March 13th 2016.

Take a View

Nature lovers, rejoice – Take a View’s Landscape Photographer of the Year competition has been running since 2007 and celebrates the very best in sensational scenic shots. With a grand prize of £10,000 up for grabs, this clash of creative titans is not to be missed.

Open Eye Gallery

The non-profit Open Eye Gallery was founded in 1977 and celebrates innovative and independent photographers – with a colourful catalogue of exhibitions to fill your calendar. Based in Liverpool, this gallery has championed the artform for almost 40 years – and you could see your works on display in this legendary exhibition space.

The Photographers’ Gallery

At London’s largest public photographic gallery, the exhibitions range from historical images to daring new projects. The Photographers’ Gallery is a place where artists can discover up-and-coming talent and participate in everything from specialist workshops to social happenings.

C / O Berlin

Located in the heart of the capital, C / O Berlin is a non-profit photographic gallery home to a calendar full of changing exhibitions, seminars and workshops – well worth a visit for any photography lovers and professional artists looking to explore the international scene.

The Photographic Angle

The Photographic Angle is responsible for a collection of free exhibitions, touring the UK and transforming public spaces into transient art galleries. Submit three of your favourite images for a chance to exhibit alongside a diverse suite of photographic specialists.

Michael Hoppen Gallery

Opened in 1992, the Michael Hoppen Gallery is a monument to the medium and home to a combination of photographic masters and breakthrough artists. Nestled in the heart of Chelsea, London, this diverse gallery celebrates the past, present and future of photography.

Photography Farm

This residential photography workshop nurtures budding artists, helping them to develop their skills and brush up on their business acumen. Photography Farm is the brainchild of alternative wedding photographer Lisa Devlin, who makes it her mission to impart the valuable insight she’s gained throughout her career in the industry.

Nigel Wilson Workshops

Described by Time Out magazine as “the best photography course in London”, Nigel Wilson’s workshops are packed with technical expertise – giving you both the aptitude and confidence to realise your full potential as a photographer, with dates available throughout 2016.

MyPhotoSchool

At MyPhotoSchool, you learn from the experts – with a colossal menu of courses dedicated to a diverse range of photographic styles. Whichever subjects you’re drawn to and skills you’d like to develop, this online school is jam-packed with professional workshops, tutorials and specialist insight.

Aspire Photography Training

Commercial awareness is key to a successful career as a photographer, and Aspire Photography Training gives you the tools to take the market by storm – with courses on everything from photographic themes to business development.

The 36exp Photographers’ School

36exp is a photography school in the heart of London, delivering specialist knowledge to absolute beginners and aspiring professionals alike. Giving you the skills to take charge of your photography, 36exp combines theory with a hands-on experience for the best of both worlds.

London School of Photography

From stock photography to portraiture and photojournalism, the London School of Photography has a menu of masterclasses to suit all tastes. Inspiration and motivation are at the heart of every LSP course – helping photographers of all skill levels to reach their individual goals.

The Royal Photographic Society

Membership with the Royal Photographic Society (RPS) entitles you to monthly e-newsletters, camera insurance offers, exposure opportunities, a society distinction and a chance to be a part of exclusive workshops at discounted prices – plus a whole lot more.

Leica Q

Over a hundred years since the original Leica was created, the Leica Q is here to break new photographic ground and update the definition of a compact camera. With the fastest lens in its class and a superior electronic viewfinder to all alternatives, everything about this camera is state-of-the-art.

Sony RX1R II Professional Compact Camera

Thanks to a 42.4 megapixel resolution, retractable electronic viewfinder and the world’s first optical variable low-pass filter, Sony’s RX1R II compact camera is a cut above the rest. Shoot in higher quality everywhere you go with this palm-sized prodigy.

FUJIFILM X-T10

Photographers will love the lightweight FUJIFILM X-T10, which puts colour reproduction at the forefront. You can select the exposure mode to suit every scene – and with panoramas, multiple exposures and advanced filters all included in the camera’s functionality, the world is your oyster.

Canon EOS M10

Combining “DSLR performance with effortless portability”, the Canon EOS M10 is a simple and elegant tool for transitioning into the world of interchangeable lens photography. Ideal for everything from holiday selfies to urban exploration, the EOS M10 offers expert control coupled with no-sweat photo sharing.

Nikon COOLPIX S9900

The Nikon COOLPIX 9900’s 30x optical zoom, which extends to 60x Dynamic Fine Zoom, is ideal for bringing subjects and textures into razor sharp detail. On top of that, in-camera time-lapse functionality and contemporary design make this camera truly cutting-edge.

Sony Xperia™ Z3

The Xperia Z3 is the smartphone capable of incredible image quality, thanks to its 20.7 megapixel camera and ISO 12800 sensitivity – ideal for photography enthusiasts looking for a transitional tool while they continue to hone their craft.

KODAK PROFESSIONAL PORTRA 400 Film

The world’s finest grain high-speed colour negative film gives photographers what they need to capture colours and textures in spectacular depth. Ideal for fashion and portrait photography, KODAK PROFESSIONAL PORTRA film is designed to reproduce a spectrum of skin tones brilliantly and beautifully.

PhotoJoJo

Amateurs and professionals alike will fall head over heels in love with PhotoJoJo – the online store fit to burst with gorgeous photographic gifts. From lens wraps to smart projectors, this irresistible site is an online treasure trove of treats photographers can’t resist adding to their baskets.

Really Right Stuff

Delivering state-of-the-art camera support systems to its customers, Really Right Stuff is your one-stop shop for professional tripods – with a range of robust, flexible and high quality products on offer, and options to suit all skill levels.

BlackRapid

The humble shoulder strap is rarely in the spotlight – but BlackRapid considers camera accessories a priority. Ergonomic design and customisable storage make these shoulder straps the most versatile options on the market – giving you the chance to find your camera’s perfect match.

SHUTTERbag

SHUTTERbag is the female photographer’s first choice for beautiful, functional and durable leather camera bags – offering artists a way to transport their equipment in safety and style. Find your favourite shade and head straight to the checkout.

Think Tank Photo

Transporting gear with care is a key concern for any professional photographer – and at Think Tank Photo, finding your ideal travel companion is easy. Think Tank’s rolling cases are premium quality and designed for photographic equipment to give you total peace of mind wherever you go.

PocketWizard PlusX

PocketWizard’s class-leading wireless triggering systems give you the power to free your flash from your camera – and the PocketWizard PlusX radio is compatible with all of the brand’s transmitters and receivers. Simply attach one to your camera and another to your remote flash, then get shooting.

Adobe Lightroom

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom is available as part of the Creative Cloud Photography plan and allows you to bring your images to life – intensifying colours, emphasising your focal point and recreating the beauty of the real thing. Organise, edit and share your photos with ease thanks to the desktop and mobile apps.

Canva

Intuitive and impossibly user-friendly, Canva offers a perfectly practical solution to your image editing needs. With the facilities to create powerful layouts, add a range of graphic assets and typography, and save images in high quality PDF format – all at lightning speed – this free online software is the answer to any photographer’s post-production prayers.

Paint the Moon

Offering Photoshop actions for photographers, Paint the Moon takes the hassle out of image editing – helping artists realise their vision quickly and cohesively. Intuitive for beginners and robust for seasoned photographers, these resources are as flexible as they are powerful.

PhotoPlus X8

PhotoPlus X8 is brought to you by the award-winning software developers at Serif and gives photographers a platform to alter, enhance and illuminate their images with meticulous precision. Add PhotoPlus X8 to your basket today to crop, correct and recolour to your heart’s content.

Photocrati

Professional photographers need visually stunning websites to do their portfolio justice – and thanks to Photocrati, creating first-rate responsive sites is easy. Fully flexible and packed with dynamic features, this WordPress theme is the ultimate in customisable web design.

EyeEm

An eye for gorgeous images makes EyeEm the first choice for royalty-free photos. This online community brings together ambitious photographers looking to increase their exposure and get paid to share their photography with EyeEm’s discerning user base.

Palette Gear

The future of photo editing is here and its name is Palette. This game-changing technology allows photographers to connect modules, creating a bespoke editing tool that can be integrated with Photoshop, Lightroom and a number of leading applications – putting you in complete control.

Magisto

With the help of Magisto, you can transform your images into powerful, polished movies ideal for sharing with the world. Created to connect your experiences with the people you care about, this app is free to use and it takes just 3 steps to find a sophisticated finished product.

NextGEN Gallery

To give your portfolio the royal treatment, check out NextGEN Galleries – the WordPress plugin designed to make uploading and showcasing your photographs a breeze. Managing your galleries couldn’t be easier, and its responsive functionality makes for optimal viewing on all devices.

500px

Whether you’re looking to discover inspiring images or an artist eager to sell your latest works, 500px is the place to be. This online marketplace attracts photographers and their fans in the name of personal expression and it’s easy to become a part of this passionate community.

Wacom

The world’s leading pen tablet manufacturer, Wacom is committed to giving you total creative control when it comes to your photos. Wacom’s range of interface technologies make photo editing more intuitive and experiential than ever – with a diverse range of models available subject to your specifications.

SpyderCHECKR 24

From camera calibration to colour correction, SpyderCHECKR 24 exists to help photographers achieve the utmost accuracy when it comes to the colouring their images. Giving you a way to capture the authentic shades in every scene, this portable, lightweight tool is the ultimate photographic colour palette.

Táve

Táve Studio Manager is a life-saver for working photographers who’d rather spend their time creating than managing the responsibilities associated with self-employment. From invoicing and workflow management to professional branding and contact forms, Táve is a business tool like no other.

Over

Editorial photographers will fall in love with Over – the app that incorporates beautiful typography into your images to create stunning and stylish outcomes. Intuitive and impactful, Over harnesses the combined power of text and image with incredible results every time.

LightTrac

Lighting conditions are crucial to the success of outdoor photo shoots, whatever your subject – and LightTrac gives you all the information you’ll need to organise your shooting schedule and find the optimal time, location and conditions anywhere in the world.

Cycloramic

Nothing gives a sense of scale like sweeping panoramic shots – and Cycloramic is the iPhone app that puts the tools to create, edit and share stunning panoramas at your fingertips. This ground-breaking software transforms your phone into a hands-free panoramic camera. Visit the App Store to experience the magic for yourself.

ProCamera

Offering “the fastest, highest quality and most advanced three-shot HDR capture on iOS”, ProCamera introduces the control of a DSLR to the mobile photography experience – with a huge range of image editing options to help you make the most out of every single shot.

HIPSTAMATIC

Swipe through a digital treasure trove of lenses, films and flashes with HIPSTAMATIC Camera, Apple’s original App of the Year. This user-friendly app helps aspiring photographers enhance their mobile images – with easy, instantaneous transfer options across iCloud, Dropbox and a number of other platforms.

StickyAlbums

StickyAlbums is the professional photographer’s best kept secret, revolutionising the way artists retain clients and win new business. With the ability to create a completely bespoke, branded mobile app, photographers can see their professional branding front and centre and share their app with clients to let them access the shots themselves.

SmugMug

If you’re a professional photographer looking for your own customisable site designed to showcase your portfolio in all its glory, the search is over. SmugMug was created to help photographers find e-commerce ready designs, with the flexibility to personalise your website to perfection.

Triggertrap

Triggertrap Mobile enables photographers to use their smartphone as a remote trigger – creating a world of possibilities when it comes to long exposure shots, time lapse movies and high speed photography. Download the app for free and invest in the Triggertrap Mobile Kit to get started.

GETTING SOCIAL

Facebook Reviews

Would highly recommend Digitalab for professional photo developing. I had professional photos taken of my daughter, the photographer sent me some photos and I also got some done at Digitalabs and they were of the same quality which is what I wanted. They use good quality paper and ink.
I will definitely be using them again, I’m so glad I’ve found a company that do such good quality.

Fantastic job! Very high quality printing with superb customer service. Finally found a place where people care about your photography and you don’t need to worry about how well the print is going to look when you get it. It looked absolutely stunning, thank you very much! The way it looked on my screen was the way it looked on the finished product.

This lab come highly recommended to us by Gary Hill. We couldn’t be happier with the service and products we have received. Our customers comment on the exceptional quality of the products. Alex is a huge asset, even at 11pm!!!!! Nothing is too much trouble. Definitely going to be a huge part of our business for years to come!

Have used in the past with great results, just had some photos printed for a Exhibition I am doing, I am well pleased with the result although I don't use prints as often as I use to, I will always use Digitalab.

First of all I'm blown away by the customer service, which adds a personal touch to this company when I order, I feel they are working "with" me...and then the quality...flawless, absolute perfection. I am so pleased I chose this lab for all my product needs <3 xx

Received my latest wall piece sample and it’s absolutely stunning! Thank you so much. Alex was very helpful in emails also when I asked about my SWPP discount and I’ll be using digitalab as a supplier now!

I am very happy I have found this lab :) Being new ish in the business I need the personalised service and Digitalab don't scare me!! The products I have from them are beautiful and I am looking forward to getting a wider variety as soon as I can add them to my Product Guide.

It has taken me a long time to find the right lab to work with, ensuring that not only do I choose the best products for my business but also the best team to work with. Digitalab continually demonstrate a high level of professionalism, produce high quality products, are happy to assist with questions and offer advice and the colours are always spot on. I am really pleased with the service provided by Jill, Alex and the team and look forward to ordering more as the year goes on

Really pleased with the service provided by this company. The staff were so helpful in answering my questions beforehand, and the photos arrived promptly and were exceptional quality. Made me realise how rubbish Truprint were when printing my wedding prints - the colours were all wrong. Thanks so much, will definitely use you again xx

Oh my god. I have just received my new wall art and I'm so in love. The quality is to exceptionally high standards and the staff have been accommodating throughout. Thank you so much. I couldn't be any happier.

We just bought a range of photos from 6x4 to 16 x 14. We are so over the moon at the quality of photos. And will defiantly have more done.
As a photographer myself I know were I can recommend my customers too

I've just started getting prints with digitalab and can't believe the super quick turnaround! My prints were complete by early Monday afternoon when I ordered very very late on the Sunday. Popped by the lab to pick them up; great quality and lovely staff!

I ordered some prints from my daughters 21st birthday photo shoot we when on and I needed someone to print the pictures. I thought I would give Digitalab a try. I was very pleasantly surprised. What amazing quality and the price was perfect. Delivery was very quick and my daughter is very happy. So yes, I will be using this company again, very soon. We have graduation to print of next 😀👍

Ordered some 5x7 and 8x10 prints. Quality of prints was ok but due to the lack of adequate packaging (not stiff enough envelope and lack of a "please do not bend" label) the postman was too tempted to squeeze the envelope through our too small letter box and so the 8x10 prints aren't useable. Quite what warrants a postage charge of £4.95 is beyond me. So ultimately a waste of money and I won't be using again. Seriously surprised that a company posting photos doesn't take adequate care of the type of packaging used especially as it's not exactly unknown how items get treated in the post. Disappointing.

Great prints quality, I ordered a 20x16 and it looks great, i was mostly worried it would look pixelated as it was taken of a entry level 15mg dslr. But no very happy, perhaps try a larger landscape image soon

I had complained about my order and emailed the wrong address three times. I put a review on here and then they contacted me immediately and have been utterly helpful and very good customer service so I have amended my rating to reflect this. thank you for sorting out

Have searched around for a lab that would be able to develop and process both colour and black&white film, and came across Digitalab by chance while perusing through Google. Was nearby so decided to give it a chance.Headed over on Monday (15/05-), and as I walked in there was already a lady behind the counter talking to two gentlemen about their own stuff. Said lady then noticed myself, and without detracting too much from the inquiries of the gentlemen she was already engaged with, called for another member of staff to serve me, which took less than a minute.Upon inquiring myself, what it was I was looking for and whether or not they would be able to do it, I was told they did and that usually the lab did film-related stuff on a Wednesday, and would usually have things ready for collection on Friday. Was talked through a list of services I could have for the lab to take care of and asked what I would be using my prints / digital version for, so as to get the quality and prices suited to that. I was treat as a someone, rather than a walking moneybag.I decided to get the film developed, scanned and printed, and also uploaded onto a disc. Collected all of my stuff today (19/05-) and got home to check through it all.While I'm not a professional or using any of my work for commercial use etc, all of the prints were fantastic quality, and all of the uploads to disc were of equal quality. Customer service was outstanding, and I will most certainly be using Digitalab again. I would recommend their facilities to anyone and everyone.

I am an automotive and events photographer in Oxfordshire and here is my genuine opinion.From the word go I was filled with confidence. I spoke to someone on Facebook messenger and he kindly gave me the email address for Alex. After speaking to Alex via email, he asked me to send over some of my images and he would look at the best avaliable size and sort me out some examples.These were quickly processed and what a delight. Colour was exceptional and the feel of tem was great. Now that I have found these guys I now feel confident enough to offer prints to my customers instead of just digital copies and I can vouch for my customers loving the quaity.I have only been using this service for a month now, but I have made a fair few orders.Thank you to everyone n the team and I look forward to many more prints.

I ordered 2 prints from you over 2 weeks ago. Today whilst hanging my washing out on the line and my kids playing in the garden, my child runs upto me with this tube and asks what it is. For me to look and notice it is in fact my prints I have been waiting for from you, delivered by Royal Mail and thrown into my back garden with no notice through the door. The past 2 days we have had bad rain and this appears to have been sat outside in it. Fortunately the prints are not damaged. How you can warrant £6.95 delivery for this service is beyond me. This should have been sent by signed for mail at the bare minimum. I suggest you look at who you use for deliveries for the future.

Amazing quality as always from digitalab I ordered a 30" sphere from them and super impressed with the quality it looks stunning in my lounge and the customer service is second to none very helpful, polite and really value their customers. Definitely will not go anywhere else for my wall art after using them! X

Thrilled to bits with my large format print. Went for the matt photo rag paper for the first time to make a change from gloss and the finished product looks brilliant! Also very impressed with the communications from digitalab keeping me updated on the progress of my order. Will definitely use these guys again

Best lab around. Our studio is just around the corner...however I'd still use the guys at Digitalab if they were on the moon! Best quality, best service, accommodates our deadlines and last but not least...the best craic in the Ouseburn ������

Absolutely the best online lab I know. I did loads of comparsions and digitalab wins. They never dissapointed me. Prints are always great quality and colours and contrast exactly like on my monitor. Very happy!!!

So pleased with the two prints of my original 1908 house plans Digitalab did for me on oak block mounts, they look contemporary and are excellent quality. The packaging was great, and the service and advice I received was much appreciated! Thanks

Ordered prints, large size 26" x20" then the next day decided I wanted them mounted. They have just arrived and I am over the moon. Cannot believe they are my photographs....they look so much more than I imagined they would. Thank you5 * again, just received my Easy Landscape Album and so pleased with it. Definitely one to recommend to clients.

Great service! I sent the order to them late and was panicking about getting it on time, but they were so helpful and I got them this morning, perfect! Great quality, amazing and fast service. Would recommend.

I can't rate them hightly enough. The front line staff have a friendly 'can do' attitude and the principal is accessible and personable. Great efficient and professional service and the end product is fantastic.

I recently had an 8ft x 4ft digital C-type print, mounted on MDF and laminated with scratch resistant laminate, when this came it was fantastic quality, but had been damaged in the post, upon calling Digitalab, the company reprinted the image at a great cost to them, with no questions asked!

Professional service and very friendly and polite staff. I had a photo printed, mounted and framed in very short time and I couldn't be happier with the finished result. I Would highly recommend this service for any other students. Thanks again!

My second time using Digitalab and I was interested to see whether the excellent service the first time round was repeated. It was. The whole process was excellent, keeping me informed of what was happening; and the final prints were of splendid quality with a very quick turnaround. 5 star service with a 5 star product.

From order to finished product, the whole experience was brilliant. The quality of the framed photo was fantastic, service top notch (informed at each stage of the process) and delivery speedy (just in time for Christmas). Made a grandma very happy on Christmas day!! Would definitely use Digitalab again!